0 SCIENTIFIC INFERENCE Dr. Harry Firman harryfirman510@gmail.com Abstract This paper presents scientific inference and its role in obtaining scientific knowledge. The presentation begins with the concept of scientific inference, followed by the specification of each types of scientific inference: deductive inference, inductive inference, and abductive inference. Next is discussed the reasoning process involved and the issues that arise in each type of scientific inference. The presentation in this paper ends with a discussion of how to infer causality in natural phenomena which is the main goal of science. Keyword: Science, inference, deduction, induction, abduction, causality 1. Introduction Inference is a process of drawing conclusions through reasoning on the basis of premises (true proven propositions) and evidences (Southwell, 2013). Scientific inference is an important process in the acquisition of knowledge by scientists. This article defines the meaning of inference, and elaborates the process of scientific inferences, namely deductive inference, inductive inference, and abductive inference. The following discuss about the the characteristics of each scientific inference process, the output of each scientific inference process, and their particular respective issues. 2. Types of Scientific Inference 2.1. Deductive Inference Deduction is the reasoning of a general premise, that is, a known principle, to a specific and definite conclusion. Deduction is always associated with a syllogism (formal logic).